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Not Another Heroine

Katie & Jordan

Join Katie and Jordan, two friends who discovered similar reading habits and needed more time to talk books out of the office. They break down the best and worst fictional heroines and regularly struggle with pronouncing character names. Each book gets a few episodes, so spoilers beware!

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  • 20 episodes
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  • May 4 · 13 min

    Hot & Bothered: The Book of Judgement

    Hi Readers and Happy May! We're still on a reading hiatus but found this rant of an episode in our 2025 library. ----- Thank you Reddit for inspiring yet another H&B episode: this week we're getting judgy. What is your book? You know the one. If someone says it's their most favorite, artistic rendering of the genre, an utter masterpiece. and you just, can't? Every single recommendation they make is tainted by it. Books and authors mentioned this episode: Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49826643-daughter-of-no-worlds?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9pUDfXymEa&rank=1 Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13928.Daughter_of_the_Forest?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6XPbWHXyby&rank=1 Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25128811-ice-planet-barbarians?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=jPaU0ULUMi&rank=1 Zodiac Academy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46261182-the-awakening?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=JBiMKOnXaD&rank=1 Blade Dancer by S.L. Viehl https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/664640.Blade_Dancer?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FfyIT0V8pY&rank=1 Legendborn by Tracy Deonn https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50892338-legendborn?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_9 Linnea Sinclair https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/202269.Linnea_Sinclair?from_search=true&from_srp=true

  • April 13 · 11 min

    Hot & Bothered: Pay Per Page

    As promised Readers, we present some of our older rant sessions on random book-adjacent topics. This episode was originally recorded in February 2025 and focused on Kindle Unlimited. -------------- Is Kindle Unlimited unduly influencing the writing/editing game? Romantasy books keep getting longer, plot predictability is at an eye-rolling level, and if we meet one more shadow daddy on page 2 we're both going to convert to full-time hockey smut.

  • S4 · E160
    April 6 · 18 min

    160. In praise of Divergent and a temporary goodbye... "choo choo."

    Readers, We never want books to feel like a chore or for our episodes to be an endless nitpicking critique, but we've found ourselves drifting closer to that reality. We want to return to why we started Not Another Heroine in the first place: love of reading and the desire to share that excitement with another reader. Our first episodes on Sherwood Smith's "Crown Duel," while entirely too long, were exactly that. On that note, we're taking a hiatus. All of our episodes will still be available on all platforms (except Patreon), and we'll start posting some of our back catalog that wasn't originally available on all the sites. We'll still be reading in the meantime, and when the book feels rights, we'll turn the mics back on for a new Monday episode. Thank you for sticking with us through four seasons of readings. The book recs, the encouragement, and every like, subscribe, or follow gave us so much joy. To know that we're not alone in the library, that our shelf may look like your shelf, and that our silly episode titles made you giggle too, well, that's why we're still going. Goodbye for now Readers, but we'll see you on the next page. Katie & Jordan. Books Mentioned In This Episode Wicked, Ugly, Bad by Cassandra Gannon https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201821045-wicked-ugly-bad?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15 Divergent by Veronica Rothe goodreads.com/search?q=divergent&ref=nav_sb_noss_l_9 The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431922-fourth-wing?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8xcgHt8JZT&rank=1 Weavingshaw by Heba al-Wasity https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234943536-weavingshaw?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6bShtRni2g&rank=1

  • April 1 · 8 min

    Pick of the Week: Boyfriend on Demand (Netflix)

    While it looks fluffy and silly, Boyfriend on Demand offers a surprisingly dark commentary on modern dating. Jisoo from Blackpink and Seo In-guk (Doom At Your Service) star as almost enemy coworkers who each harbor secret feelings for the other. And if you like an extra helping of eye candy, there are many other recognizable actors who make appearances as Jisoo's virtual boyfriends. https://www.netflix.com/title/82007623?source=35&fromWatch=true Similar Shows Business Proposal https://www.netflix.com/title/81509440 Doom At Your Service https://www.netflix.com/title/81488912 Her Private Life https://www.netflix.com/title/81205812 Marry My Husband https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0CPYQKXW5/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

  • S4 · E159
    March 30 · 22 min

    159. The Reluctant Heiress by Eva Ibbotson (Part 2) "Cillian Murphy."

    This book is over 40 years old and a product of its time, but we enjoyed the accurate (but digestible) historic setting, character development, and well-paced romantic tension. Warning for romance readers who like their side of spice...there is none in this book. Similar Books and Shows The Illusionist https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443543/?ref_=fn_i_1 The Sound of Music https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/?ref_=fn_t_1 Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17899948-rebecca?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=IjmyceMHkz&rank=2 Under the Stars of Paris by Mary Burchell https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3343881-under-the-stars-of-paris?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hOEz8dLmNT&rank=1 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5711852-the-reluctant-heiress?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=2SZizHV5TF&rank=1

  • March 25 · 12 min

    Pick of the Week: A Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson

    If you liked The Reluctant Heiress, just make this one your next read. Same tropes, same characters, just new names and a South America setting. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/963274.A_Company_of_Swans?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=2ulW7hj6nx&rank=1 Similar Books Edenbrooke Julianne Donaldson https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12820360-edenbrooke?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=NaZfzrZPRr&rank=1 Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15795628-blackmoore?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9pmrBB61fe&rank=1 The Reluctant Heiress by Eva Ibbotson https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5711852-the-reluctant-heiress?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_22

  • S4 · E158
    March 23 · 31 min

    The Reluctant Heiress by Eva Ibbotson (Part 1) "A man who can plan."

    This book is over 40 years old and a product of its time, but we enjoyed the accurate (but digestible) historic setting, character development, and well-paced romantic tension. Warning for romance readers who like their side of spice...there is none in this book. Similar Books and Shows The Illusionist https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443543/?ref_=fn_i_1 The Sound of Music https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/?ref_=fn_t_1 Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17899948-rebecca?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=IjmyceMHkz&rank=2 Under the Stars of Paris by Mary Burchell https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3343881-under-the-stars-of-paris?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hOEz8dLmNT&rank=1 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5711852-the-reluctant-heiress?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=2SZizHV5TF&rank=1

  • S4 · E158
    March 18 · 9 min

    Pick of the Week: Wicked Ugly Bad by Cassandra Gannon

    Once Upon a Time (the TV show) get a spicy, modern setting where all the traditional fairy tale characters are flipped on their heads. What makes a Good or Bad person? How do you get sent the to WUB Club? Is Cinderella really doing that with her mice? This is the first in a seven book series, but each can be read as a standalone (the characters are interconnected a la Bridgerton style). https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201821045-wicked-ugly-bad?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=RrPVWFhPmg&rank=1 Similar Books Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62232755-throne-in-the-dark?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dgldHUSRNK&rank=1 Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123257687-assistant-to-the-villain?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9gUlIRiQNF&rank=1 The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58510253-the-undertaking-of-hart-and-mercy?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=j8K91zwf3X&rank=1

  • S4 · E157
    March 16 · 33 min

    March Reading Update: "Jump scare."

    Katie makes an attempt at extroversion during a Heated Rivalry event and runs a marathon instead of a turkey trot. The list of DNFs continues to grow and the reading slump persists. Please leave a comment and help us narrow down our future reads, some options: Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222376906-wild-reverence Divergent by Veronica Roth https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13335037-divergent?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=u1NAVWLnkk&rank=1 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=7ooMmIhHUc&rank=1 Legend by Marie Lu https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29863662-legend?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_6 This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56554281-this-woven-kingdom?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=10pQnM14d3&rank=1 The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_17 Other Books Mentioned This Episode: The Moon Raven by Grace Draven https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241601258-the-moon-raven?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=sL9FLvZVOy&rank=1 Gods of Jade and Shadow by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36510722-gods-of-jade-and-shadow?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=kj5pdzLePE&rank=1 How to Find a Nameless Fae by A.J. Lancaster https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215760963-how-to-find-a-nameless-fae?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=1XYOGGPUqN&rank=1 Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146943294-binding-13?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=HAA7zLGXmS&rank=1 Sight Unseen by Alexis Marie https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/238750605-sight-unseen?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=uLRoWT0GwW&rank=2 The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson goodreads.com/search?q=The+raven+scholar&ref=nav_sb_noss_l_17 Teach Me How to Forget by Scullymurphy https://archive.transformativeworks.org/works/41597901/chapters/104337864 Creep by Cr0ftisprocrasting https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157237417-creep

  • March 11 · 9 min

    Pick of the Week: The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino

    A slow start (Katie had to persevere through the first 50 to 60 percent), but thorough world-building and a rewarding friends-to-lovers romance make this worth the effort. Not quite as emotionally immersive as others in the genre, but this does tend to lean more traditional fantasy. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220137908-the-second-death-of-locke?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Ap0AyVJDDV&rank=1 Similar Books The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/133286777-the-familiar?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=liEHuV2Lof&rank=1 One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58340706-one-dark-window?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=IZmg5nlTcO&rank=1 Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54513688-realm-breaker?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=mPD3Fcq83j&rank=1

  • S4 · E156
    March 9 · 16 min

    156. Traitor Son by Melissa Cave (Part 2) "Miche and Remin. I mean, you never know."

    So many walls and the weirdest love confession we've read yet. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218333744-traitor-son?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cYvC4cviR5&rank=1 Similar Books The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=w6brDLeNax&rank=1 The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10031259-the-emperor-s-edge?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6mmf4MaaUj&rank=1 Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evans https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YebYk90Mvv&rank=1 Master of Crows by Grace Draven https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6811150-master-of-crows?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=XzcHPTJfqT&rank=1

  • March 4 · 9 min

    Pick of the Week: This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara

    There was too much going on for any one aspect of this book to be particularly good. An interesting start with a novel setting led to shoved in tropes and a romance that felt flat and forced. This would've been better as a pure fantasy. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219268963-this-monster-of-mine?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=eUgEEnIeQ8&rank=1 Similar Books One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58340706-one-dark-window?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=tcW2yC2HbZ&rank=1 The Songbird and The Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210134467-the-songbird-the-heart-of-stone?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Dfrbj2pdVF&rank=1 Poison Study by Marissa Snyder https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60510.Poison_Study?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=09kDm3n6pN&rank=1

  • S4 · E155
    March 2 · 29 min

    155. Traitor Son by Melissa Cave (Part 1) "Bob the Builder plays Age of Empires."

    It's not too often that a Pick of the Week turns into a Monday episode but given the similarities to Grace Draven and J.D. Evans, we should've known better. Traitor Son is a bit of a sleeper hit, equal parts intricate world-building and romance. The heroine is not your typical romantasy lead. She's a bit mousy, submissive, and sometimes innocent to an eyeroll level, but she undergoes massive character growth throughout the novel and you can see her potential in future books. We won't say too much about Remin, but if sheer brute strength is your thing you won't be disappointed, although we were both rooting for Miche the entire time. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218333744-traitor-son?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cYvC4cviR5&rank=1 Similar Books The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=w6brDLeNax&rank=1 The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10031259-the-emperor-s-edge?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6mmf4MaaUj&rank=1 Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evans https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YebYk90Mvv&rank=1 Master of Crows by Grace Draven https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6811150-master-of-crows?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=XzcHPTJfqT&rank=1

  • February 25 · 9 min

    Pick of the Week: Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu

    Maybe a bit recycled on the plot but what isn't these days? This was a decent read, reminiscent of some the blockbuster romantasy hits. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58650445-heavenly-bodies?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15 Similar Books The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75668288-the-hurricane-wars?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=D4qBxLmvHn&rank=1 Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76703559-throne-of-glass?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=GwZgchMcIP&rank=1 Reign and Ruin by J.D. Evans https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50607309-reign-ruin?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=w9iFQ2ZYbq&rank=1

  • S4 · E154
    February 23 · 33 min

    Netflix's Bridgerton Season 4 "She's acting her t*** off."

    This iteration is more faithful to the book than past seasons, perhaps that's why we enjoyed it more? Or maybe it's the acting chops of Katie Leung (Araminta) and Yerin Ha (Sophie), who absolutely kill it in both of their roles. We do have some gripes with the show in general, namely the constant jumping around to different couples who already had a whole damn season for their story. Netflix also seems to miss the mark on the subtle romance of period dramas in favor of HBO-style sex scenes. https://www.netflix.com/title/80232398 Based on the novel "An Offer From A Gentleman" by Julia Quinn https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9408584-an-offer-from-a-gentleman?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=HM6dWVoWfn&rank=1

  • February 18 · 12 min

    Pick of the Week: Homebound by Lydia Hope

    A Lilo and Stitch meet-cute on a Wall-E style Earth featuring Cinderella and a Ken doll? This week's pick is a little unhinged, and while it might not be a good book, it was definitely an enjoyable one. Stick around if you like monster romance, are intrigued by sci-fi, or just need some cute fluff to get you through a reading slump. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50337348-homebound?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hHAXyY4HGm&rank=3 Similar Books Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25128811-ice-planet-barbarians?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=J8dZ94pNTo&rank=1 Scout's Progress by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/288768.Scout_s_Progress?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=MRIKveOHei&rank=1 Wed to the Lich by Layla Fae https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157541817-wed-to-the-lich?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hc9HoukKYp&rank=1 Author - Linnea Sinclair https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/202269.Linnea_Sinclair Author - S.L. Viehl https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/121557.S_L_Viehl?from_search=true&from_srp=true

  • S4 · E153
    February 16 · 24 min

    153. An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn (Part 2) "That bitch stole my shoe clips."

    Is Benedict the most believable rake of all the Bridgerton brothers? Maybe that's what makes his insta-love with the Lady in Silver so convincing. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9408584-an-offer-from-a-gentleman?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_23 Similar Books Stranger In My Arms by Lisa Kleypas https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243206.Stranger_in_My_Arms How the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Long https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11388053-how-the-marquess-was-won Cinder by Marissa Meyer https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36381037-cinder?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dk3GNqSb4V&rank=1 The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39083635-the-sweetest-oblivion?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=z8SdN5n2PC&rank=1 Rose in Chains by Julie Soto https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221179254-rose-in-chains?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Y4KtfYlxz7&rank=1 Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218038285-ella-enchanted?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=m2sxMzF7ZQ&rank=1 Check us out on Youtube @notanotherheroine

  • February 11 · 9 min

    Pick of the Week: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

    It's taken years, but Katie FINALLY read The Hating Game, and the result? 5 stars, immediate re-read shelf. It's a Dramione-level enemies to lovers but in a contemporary business setting. Banter, tension, and humor that doesn't feel cheesy or forced. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27213238-the-hating-game?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Ju29076QRy&rank=1 Similar Books The Bodyguard by Katherine Center https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58724801-the-bodyguard?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_33 The Politician's Wife by pir8fancier Check us out Youtube and Patreon @notanotherheroine https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26890767-the-politician-s-wife?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Rsp8pK9I0v&rank=1 Potions, Poisons, and Policies by Courtney Thorne https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219922931-potions-poisons-and-policies?ref=nav_sb_noss_l_15

  • S4 · E152
    February 9 · 24 min

    152. An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn (Part 1) "Hand-shoes and the dong."

    Julia Quinn can be relied upon to provide a safe, hallmark-worthy intro to historical romance. Just enough background and history to keep you immersed in the world without drowning you in the minutiae of how day-to-day life in the 1800s. Sophie and Benedict's story is our favorite of the Bridgerton novels for it's pacing but we're missing the angst of Lisa Kelypas' couples. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9408584-an-offer-from-a-gentleman?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_23 Similar Books Stranger In My Arms by Lisa Kleypas https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243206.Stranger_in_My_Arms How the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Long https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11388053-how-the-marquess-was-won Cinder by Marissa Meyer https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36381037-cinder?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dk3GNqSb4V&rank=1 The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39083635-the-sweetest-oblivion?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=z8SdN5n2PC&rank=1 Rose in Chains by Julie Soto https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221179254-rose-in-chains?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Y4KtfYlxz7&rank=1 Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218038285-ella-enchanted?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=m2sxMzF7ZQ&rank=1 Check us out on Youtube and Patreon @notanotherheroine

  • February 4 · 8 min

    Pick of the Week: Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

    "I'm not mad, just disappointed." The writing is fine, the premise is interesting, but between the characters and the slow pacing this book transformed from a reliable romcom to a DNF. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60683957-check-mate?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=7ufhbF1VSO&rank=1 Similar Books and Shows The Queen's Gambit (Netflix) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10048342/?ref_=mv_close Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198716261-not-in-love?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=yfH0kE8B0H&rank=1 Cinder by Marissa Meyer https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36381037-cinder?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cszkcZqRQA&rank=1 Check us out on Youtube and Patreon @notanotherheroine

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